Dr. Saif's research interests include Islam in contemporary South Asia and Yemen; the trans-temporal dynamics between medieval and modern Islamic discourses; contemporary Muslim political theology; the intersection of religious studies and postcolonial theory; and the anthropology of the state. She is the recipient of a number of fellowships and awards including the American Academy of Religion’s International Dissertation Research Grant. Dr. Saif's publications include an article in The Journal of Shi'a Islamic Studies and an article in the journal Thinking About Religion. She has also authored a chapter in the book Religion and Everyday Life and Culture. Other publications include interviews and several encyclopedia articles. Dr. Saif's dissertation examines how traditional Muslim scholars contest tradition, authority and sovereignty in post-9/11 Pakistan.